Isaiah 5:11 - Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them!

Generated Verse: Isaiah 5:11

What does "Isaiah 5:11" mean?


Isaiah 5:11, "Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them!" is a condemnation of excessive and habitual drunkenness. Let's break down the meaning:

"Woe to those..." "Woe" is a strong word expressing grief, sorrow, and impending judgment. It's a declaration of impending doom or punishment for the behavior described.

"...who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink..." This highlights that their first priority upon waking is not work, family, or worship, but immediately indulging in alcohol. The phrase "follow strong drink" suggests a deliberate and intentional pursuit of intoxication. It's not an occasional drink; it's the central focus of their day.

"...who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them!" This continues the picture of excessive drinking, extending the drinking session far into the night. "Inflames them" implies that they are drunk to the point of being consumed by the effects of the wine, losing control and perhaps acting irrationally or immorally. The idea here is that they're not just enjoying a drink; they're seeking complete intoxication.

In essence, the verse is condemning those who prioritize drunkenness above all else, making it a constant pursuit from morning until night.

Contextual Implications:

Social Justice: In Isaiah 5, the prophet is denouncing the sins of the wealthy and powerful in Judah. Their excessive drinking is likely linked to other forms of corruption, injustice, and disregard for the poor. Their self-indulgence leads them to neglect their responsibilities.

Moral Decay: The verse reflects a society where moral values have deteriorated, and people are focused on pleasure and personal gratification at the expense of their well-being and the well-being of others.

Spiritual Blindness: The constant state of intoxication likely dulls their spiritual senses, making them unable to perceive God's will or respond to His call.

Modern Application:

While this verse specifically addresses the abuse of alcohol, the underlying principle applies more broadly. It warns against prioritizing any habit or addiction over more important aspects of life, such as family, work, ethical behavior, and spiritual growth. Any behavior that consumes one's life to the point of neglecting responsibilities and hindering spiritual awareness can be considered a modern parallel.